All athletes involved in high-impact sports fear the dreaded C word: concussion. Unlike a sprained ankle or a dislocated shoulder, concussions can’t be treated with ice or slings however, a study being conducted at the University of Regina is looking into one new unconventional treatment: cannabis.

“When you get a concussion, what actually happens is the cells in the brain start to leak chemicals because of the disruption, and in that process, the immune system is put into gear and the immune system brings in all the good chemicals but it creates an inflammatory response. So our thinking was if CBD is an anti-inflammatory, then why don’t we try and use it as a method to try and reduce concussions and the severity of concussions.” said, Professor Patrick Neary.

Neary’s team recently received a $537,000 (USD) grant from the NFL to further research the potential benefits of cannabis with concussions.

This research grant was brought to Neary’s attention last year by a graduate student, and a proposal was quickly submitted. Out of various candidates across the globe, Neary’s proposal was selected to receive funding. 

While concussions can be acquired from any kind of trauma to the head, they are extremely common among athletes involved in high-impact sports.

“When I first got concussed, my initial thought was something doesn’t feel right. Everything felt like it was moving slower like I was in a fog” said Rylan Sokul, the 2021 Regina Thunder football team MVP who dealt with a concussion mid-season.

The increased risk of brain damage in football is something in the back of many athletes’ heads.  “I think it’s hard to avoid the facts especially with all the data about concussions that exists today. From time to time, you question if it’s worth it to continue playing when you can see the effects the game has had on the minds and bodies of ex-players” said Sokul.

Regina Thunder’s physiotherapist, Kristie Mueller has worked with countless concussed athletes throughout her career.  

“Emotional change is a symptom we commonly see, the roller coaster during recovering is very real. Partly because these athletes are missing out on what they love, their sport- that can be upsetting and stressful. It can also be very upsetting if the athlete starts noticing memory or concentration issues as part of the concussion. Many people can get upset worrying about this affecting with work or school, not to mention possibly their football career. Sometimes we start seeing depressive tendencies the longer symptoms persist.” said Mueller.

In spite of the fact that concussions are common practice in sport, that certainly doesn’t scare away those who love the game, which is why the search for better concussion management methods is ongoing. 

 “There has been a gradual increase in the number of concussions in sport in general. First of all, because people are more aware and there is more reporting of it. Second because athletes even at a young age are getting bigger, stronger, faster than they ever were. Football is a contact sport, these athletes do whatever they can to make a play” said Mueller.